The Macomb Police concluded a several month investigation into subjects stealing several bottles of liquor from various businesses in Macomb. The Macomb Police received information from a Crime Stoppers Tip about subjects stealing large amounts of alcohol from stores in Macomb. On 02/27/15 a report was taken from Hy-Vee in Macomb of two subjects stealing several bottles of liquor from the store. Working in cooperation with the WIU Office of Public Safety, Officers were able to identify the suspects from video surveillance. Search warrants were obtained and executed on two dorm rooms at Western Illinois University on 02/27/15 at 7:30 p.m. Officers located over $600 worth of stolen liquor from various businesses during the searches.

As a result of the investigation John G. Tyler, age 19, Chicago, Darius J. Dixon, age 19, Chicago, and Bryant Adams, age 19, Chicago were charged with burglary, possession of stolen property, retail theft, and possession of alcohol by a minor. The investigation is ongoing and the subjects are suspected in stealing over $1,000 worth of alcohol.

The Macomb Police Department was assisted in the investigation by the Office of Public Safety.

The Macomb Police Department has discontinued the Text-A-Tip program exclusive for the department. Instead, citizens can text a tip to the Macomb Area Crimestoppers. Citizens can text a tip to 274-637 and start their message with the keyword CRIMESTOP. Tip information will be provided to the Macomb Police Department.

We encourage everyone to report information about any non-urgent illegal activity such as:

unsolved cases

vandalism/criminal damage

thefts/burglaries

the sale/distribution of drugs

information about future crimes being planned for the community/schools

Information about ongoing illegal activities should be called in to 833-4505 or 911 if it is an emergency.

Information may be anonymously received and securely replied to with complete confidence.

On 02/02/15 at 9:47 p.m., Macomb Police Investigators were canvassing the area where several burglaries had recently occurred.

Investigators made contact at 713 ½ East Calhoun Street with a subject identified as Michael T. Burns, age 41. As investigators were speaking with Burns they confronted him about the odor of burnt cannabis coming from inside his apartment. Burns immediately fled back into his residence, shutting and locking the door behind him.

Investigators learned that Burns was on parole with the Illinois Department of Corrections and waited outside the residence while attempting to contact his Parole Officer. At 10:49 p.m. the Macomb-McDonough County Communications Center received a 911 call of an armed robbery in progress at the Ayerco Convenience Center, located at 608 E. Jackson Street. The 911 call prompted a multi-agency emergency response from several jurisdictions from the Macomb area. The call forced investigators to leave Burns’ residence to respond and provide assistance. Officers converged on the location and quickly determined it was a hoax.

At 10:54 p.m., a second 911 call was received. The caller advised the suspects from the armed robbery were fleeing Eastbound, down East Jackson Street, towards Walmart. At this time, investigators re-established surveillance on 713 ½ E. Calhoun Street, believing the calls might have been placed by Burns.

Investigators obtained a search warrant for 713 ½ East Calhoun Street and the warrant was executed at approximately 2:40 a.m. on 02/03/15. Inside the residence Officers located Burns, a female, and two children.

While executing the search warrant, property from four recent residential burglaries and one commercial burglary were located inside. A stolen handgun was also found on the roof of the residence.

Investigators located numerous articles of stolen property hidden in ceilingtiles throughout the apartment, as well as a small amount of cannabis and the phone used to make the 911 calls.

While being interviewed at the McDonough County Jail by investigators, Burns later admitted to making the fake armed robbery calls. He also admitted to burglarizing several residences and a business in Macomb.

Burns was charged with five counts of Burglary, Possession of a Weapon by a Felon, Possession of Stolen Property, four counts of Criminal Damage over $300, Criminal Trespass to a Residence, Felony Disorderly Conduct, Filing a False Police Report, and Unlawful use of a Weapon.

Burns is currently being lodged in the McDonough County Jail on a cash bond of $7,500. A warrant for his arrest has also been issued by the Illinois Department of Corrections for Violation of Parole.

The Macomb Police Department was assisted by Officers from the Western Illinois University Office of Public Safety and Deputies from the McDonough County Sheriff’s Office.

The Board of Fire & Police Commissioners of the City of Macomb, Illinois hereby gives notice that examinations will be offered to all eligible applicants to create an Eligibility List for hiring for positions with the Macomb Police Department.

At time of application, applicants must be at least 21 years of age and no more than 35 years of age. Military veterans may extend the age limit one year for every year of active duty, not to exceed ten years. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent; must have completed 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of college; must possess valid driver’s license. To move forward in the hiring process, applicant must pass physical and written exams, medical and psychological evaluation and background investigation; must have visual acuity 20/20 each eye corrected (minimum) with normal color vision and depth perception; must have good habits and be of moral character. Upon employment, proof of U.S. Citizenship and McDonough County residency are required.